Jay-Z and Joy at the Warner Theater

13th and E streets NW -- 10:35 p.m.: Eric Benet is sitting right next to me. Samuel L. Jackson is singing along in one of the private boxes. Mary J. Blige is letting loose on stage and is now tearing through "You Bring Me Joy." Now she's doing her version of U2's "One." People are crying with joy. And Jay-Z went a long ways to proving his "greatest of all time" boasting in the thrilling first 30 minutes of his set backed by a 10-piece band.

Jay-Z and some special guests made it a memorable night at the Warner Theatre. (Frank Micelotta/Getty Images/MTV)

Yeah, there was good reason Jay-Z's inauguration eve show at Warner Theater was one of the hottest tickets in a week of hot tickets. And we're just getting started here. It's doubtful the venerable D.C. venue has seen a party of this magnitude in some time. And now I need to get off this BlackBerry and get back to enjoying this singularly unique show.

-- David Malitz

Update: Oh, and Beyonce just came out -- in hot pants -- for a sizzling "Single Ladies." This is fun.